Exploring the Shoemaker Canyon Nuclear Escape Tunnels

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Deep in the San Gabriel Mountains sit two unfinished tunnels leading nowhere.
Written by: Bethany Guerrero
Cinematography and Visual Effects by: C. Drew Unser
CAMERA GEAR AND SETUP (AFFILIATE LINKS!!)
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Special Thanks to: AdamTheWoo for the episode topic. Check out his video here:
• Nuclear Escape Tunnels...
Music by: incompetech.com and freepd.com
"Rollin At 5" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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"Ossuary 6 - Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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"Shadowlands 5 - Antechamber" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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"Funkorama" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Textures by: startextures.com
Fonts by: fontsquirrel.com
All images and video clips utilized under Educational Fair Use:
Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times Photographic Archive, UCLA Library.
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www.slideshare.net/aligeti/gc...
Sources:
www.latimes.com/visuals/photog...
libraryarchives.metro.net/DPGT...
strayngerranger.com/tunnels-t...
www.dangerousroads.org/north-...

[@rocketman71]

Thanks for giving us the history and background of the places you visit. It adds to the enjoyment.

[@PaulJMaragni]

The actual third tunnel is once you cross the Bridge to Nowhere. Rock slides, on the north side of the bridge, block the tunnel. If you walk around the hilltop (requires you to descend towards the water and back up on the north side of the hilltop on north side of bridge, you may see a small crawl space in loose rock and this is the third automobile size [Shoemaker] tunnel entrance/exit. Caution: rock slides may close the entrance at any time and there is a known mountain lion that births her cubs in this tunnel in the recent past. Make sure someone knows you’re hiking here and to call rescue if you do not return in time. Please take plenty of water (-1- gallon min per person) as it is 10 miles round-trip, most of it in the sun. Dogs have a hard time getting to the Bridge to Nowhere due to sharp rocks cutting their feet during the hike in. The first 5 miles are uphill.

[@clintinteriano4753]

God Bless you, I would’ve went in without being aware😂

[@aavmarine1833]

2:48 right where the green trees are used to be a US Forest Service Fire Station and a 2 bedroom house for the Captain family. I lived in that house in 1977.

[@Pabloworldwide]

I found you two today via recommendations. How don't you have more subscribers?! Your videos are so well done and informative. So many explorer videos can be annoying from the editing to an annoying host, etc. You two kill it with good Audio/Video quality, good editing, excellent history knowledge of each site and you both work so well together on screen. I'll share to help get your subs climbing. Cheers

[@jamiewhatthehonk6983]

Max Wilder Ur comment to them true Imma gonna tell them with my friends so they have many subs too

[@BroncoSolid]

You’re right!

[@residentpotato6023]

Bethany has had two explorers in her fun tunnel at the same time.

[@RavenswoodProductions]

The tunnels were built using prefabricated parts from tunnels used to build the highway to Alaska during WW II. The numbers you see on the panels were from the "tunnel kit" (for lack of a better term). So the tunnels were built from parts that were sized to allow at least 2 large trucks to pass each other going in opposite directions. As you can see from the *very* sharp turn at the end of tunnel 1, trying to get civilian traffic up that road would be...challenging. And the roof sections were only used where the rock would not be self-supporting. In the tunnels you can also see the use of "shot-crete" to fill in the gaps.

[@DEEDEEGARRETT1]

I hate when your videos are over. I could watch your channel for hours....Patiently waiting for the next one.Got my notification bell on !

[@kieranwhittemore1010]

Feels like I'm watching a top notch episode of a Discovery Channel production.

[@dugroz]

BTW, thanks so much for keeping your videos family friendly and free from any profanity. It's nice to be able to show the kids without having to think about that.

[@abone2pick]

You sound like a bitch

[@residentpotato6023]

Drew should abandon Bethany’s tunnel so I can have a shot at it.

[@timsanford5310]

@@residentpotato6023 You're 12.

[@fargokid71]

Wow. Am I missing something? These videos are so professional. Were they suppose to be part of a TV reality series? Maybe they were and I missed it. Good job, you two.

[@clearwood]

Wow, as always well done and information I had no idea of. Thank you, you two are awesome.

[@enigmaone7055]

Great episode. Love the abandoned, obscure topics!

[@cfb33774]

You guys are awesome! Love your videos. Very professionally done and you make a great couple.

[@scottjohnston810]

Just started to watch your videos and I must say they are awesome. Being from Australia it is food to learn about LA landmarks. Keep up the good work and I hope there are more to come

[@brillblonde6705]

What a great episode, from the quotes to the awesome flowers! Love the music, too. It's a "time out" that I needed. Thanks, Oddity Odysseys!!!!

[@loyal-warrior]

Took my two sons there back in 1988, the thing that creeped us out was when you reached the middle of the first tunnel you could not see your hand in front front of you, it was that dark. The weeds laying against the wall where animals slept. But we kept on walking.

[@yehman71]

Like deja vu!!! I grew up hiking the San Gabriels!! Been to most of these spots, but just hadn't remembered. Until your vids!! Thank you. Cannot wait to revisit!

[@lwmc009]

Thank you - you two for sharing, I will be hiking more this year. I will take my friends to this soon. Happy New Year.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@jaynuisance5272]

The 149 is the number that the metal panel is assigned by the company it came from.

[@brillblonde6705]

Great episode, mysterious and informative at the same time. Love the drone shots for the big picture. Keep up the great work!

[@thelifeofodd4908]

Another fun and informative episode. Thanks guys!

[@Steven.v1062]

Awesome thanks

[@strykernecro]

Thanks for the great new destination! Keep it up guys!

[@jayoleary968]

Thanks for the stroll in the mountains. keep it up and Take care.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I've lived in CA for decades but have never even heard of some of the cool places you visit. Thanks for filling us in on the history behind them. Many channels don't.

[@sewer659]

Really a enjoyable Video you two made. Goes for the Bridge to nowwehre, too

[@melissalevalley8148]

Thankyou for the vids... Im a new sub but after watching a few vids. I live by shoemaker tunnels. Went to explore them.... 🔥🔥🔥🔥 thankyou soo much ...

[@mikedavis9891]

God, now I’m addicted to your videos.......there’s so much history in and around L.A.

[@anthonykago4428]

I really, really like your show. Always look forward to seeing a new adventure Happy new year!

[@luckyoscar4110]

I love you guys! Great job ❤

[@fgbfgb697]

When I younger I explored the Sa Gabriel Mountains, I cherish all the adventures that I have had. I really appreciate these videos. It makes me a bit sad because of what I have missed. One of my favorite hikes is the front path to the top of Strawberry Peak. It is challenging and a bit scary. What a wonderful view when you are on top! Chris.

[@urbexexplorer2211]

There is so many great finds in the San Gabriel mountains I seen ExploredThis went to these tunnels and a abandoned summer camp by here looked so cool

[@patrickeidhammer2470]

They more than likely did not "forget" the ceiling in those portions... it was probably an effort to reduce costs, the areas that were "Structurally Sound" they didn't feel the need for a ceiling. Same as timbering in mines

[@StevePicaGCT]

So glad I found your videos! This really makes me want to come back out to California and check out the San Gabriel Mtns.

[@anjachan]

the hills look so nice.

[@YoursTrulyChris]

Really loved this one!

[@X_explorer]

Excellent movie!

[@michaeldougfir9807]

My family were headquartered in Wrightwood for decades. We tend to feel that the San Gabriel Mountains are ours. We have also worked at the three ski areas near Wrightwood. So I appreciate all the videos you produce in these mountains.

[@JaySoul711]

Mountain high! Love it there. Do you still live there?

[@janellevillegas4667]

LOVE

[@californiathroughmylens]

Nice video, enjoyed seeing your adventure!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thanks, friend!

[@nathanbugg3221]

I'm subscribed and the bell is clicked. How did I miss this gem of a video. I ❤ you guys. Your videos are great.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate it. :)

[@Random_How-tos]

You guys have spectacular videos And they are very entertaining

[@unidecgravygamesyt7107]

I love your guys vids it so adventourous and mysterious

[@exploredthis]

Love your guys videos 🙌🏻💯 we have also been here great 5 mile hike

[@christopherdrago]

I think this is among my favorite episodes. Incidentally, while I was clicking around TV one night, I came across a Science Channel program called Mysteries of the Abandoned which had a segment on the tunnels. That episode was first broadcast in 2018, and the narration said that the tunnels were visited by nobody....

[@vvarietyshow]

I've seen pictures of one of these tunnels and had no idea where it was.... another great episode!

[@travistanner1834]

You guys should go to the old nike missile site on top of mount disappointment. I love exploring all the old ww2 stuff around LA. If you go southeast of LA there's a lot of fun stuff too. Thanks for making the videos, they're really enjoyable for anyone interested in LA history. Also don't forget those tunnels have survived every major and minor earthquake since 1964.... So it's not surprising there's a little bit of material falling off the roof

[@michaelwalters7333]

Awesome Videos

[@gregsmith141]

The combination of how everything is setup has an about to get spooky type feel. Like a mountain instead of lake version of friday the 13th.

[@X_explorer]

Great vid!

[@cartman4885]

You guys produce awesome videos

[@tonymac4044]

Nice,,,, Now I know why Beth has her knife on this trip. Love the action music!!! Another well done, informative episode, thanks guys, Tony

[@cee128d]

Yeah. She was going to give us the backstory on the knife, but so far hasn't gotten around to it that I have seen.

[@johnrogers1133]

Knife? I wouldnt go to any of these places without a concealed firearm personally.

[@richardferguson1200]

Impressive that you have found so many of the same places that I have at you young ages.

[@garattyfisher]

I am always looking for things to do with my father to give us quality time together, while making us sweat and keep us young. Your videos have given us plenty of ideas and that's something I'm extremely greatful for. Thanks for the hard work you two do to bring us these awesome videos.

[@OddityOdysseys]

What a wonderful post! Wishing you and your father the very best of times and safety on your adventures together. :)

[@garattyfisher]

@@OddityOdysseys Thanks guys. My father and I thank you for the great videos and the cool ideas. Please keep doing what you are doing, it's appreciated.

[@residentpotato6023]

Here’s something I’d like to do: Bethany.

[@terrenceb2152]

This is insane.

[@starzbang8267]

How many I LOVE L.A. shirts do you have?

[@rachelkmckendry3583]

I Know Right!

[@gordybishop2375]

I also like the I love CA

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

I had no idea those tunnels were there. It’s crazy how the Cold War brought so many strange things. If you guys do come to Las Vegas I could bring you up the Tikaboo Peak trail overlooking Area 51. Thank you for the reply last week, and I’ll be ordering it this weekend. Thank you very much for the great videos!!!

[@davidfoster8172]

love to meet you two. interesting explores, and you are careful

[@Lgwinter14]

“Make it into a noose” big mood

[@wolfsmith2865]

The tunnels were built to allow access for firefighting crews. There used to be several fire camps along the route. The whole nuclear escape tunnel thing was dreamed up some years later. Civil Defense (the government entity whose job was to safeguard civilians after a nuclear war) was ever underfunded and never had any escape routes built for civilians, though they did have signage produced for highways that already existed. Compared to the massive amount of taxpayer dollars spent on the Continuity of Government secret shelters, civilians received manuals on building home fallout shelters and Fallout Shelters in the form of basements of building supplied with water barrels, cardboard toilets, large cans of crackers, and first aid kits. Some larger shelters received 2 meter band shortwave radios, battery powered AM/FM radios, and cots. Neither JFK nor any POTUS or Congress after him put any money other than the bare minimum towards Civil Defense.

[@davidseale716]

Great video as always guys. From someone in the UK your videos really make me want to go back to the USA for a trip. Any chance at the end of one of your videos you could show what equipment you you to make your videos.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Hope you get a chance to visit soon! We actually post links to the majority of the equipment we use in the episode description. Hope that helps :)

[@timothywalker4563]

From odd oddities to Adam the woo, this place attracts a number of people. Thanks for showing the walls rebar and the key stones with the year on them. Still fun and 🧐

[@xteric1]

amazing!, I always wondered what those tunnels were as I hicked bridge to nowheres?

[@BeyondTheCompass817]

A new "Oddity Odysseys" video makes a Saturday morning I always say. Very good job on the music selection and pacing. I have to hike up there this summer, for certain. You totally missed a "You shall not pass!" reference at the Gandalf grafitti :( Excellent work, once again. Safe travels!

[@OddityOdysseys]

A "You shall not pass!" reference (and a couple others) were made but didn't make the cut. Sometimes we have to conceal some of our nerdness. Make sure to go while it's still nice weather! :)

[@BeyondTheCompass817]

@@OddityOdysseys Embrace. The. Nerdness. 🤓

[@phillipjansen1222]

Nice video

[@678friedbed]

i love the comedy on this channel.

[@febelynquiwas1174]

Wow

[@dabbs041]

I rode my beach cruiser up there but decided to turn back around before it got to late 😂

[@marysolsgarden]

👏🏻Yes respect the property

[@nerolsalguod4649]

Tunnel 2 is shored up with rocks. In the backdrop you can see where they started the road along the mountainside.

[@fgbfgb697]

The Bridge to Nowhere was a painful hike on my legs and ankles. I sprained my ankle on a river rock on the way in. I sucked it up and got to the bridge. Their were folks bungee- jumping and that was awesome. I hobbled my way back to the car. I woke up the next morning in pain and had to take the next two days off to recuperate. Hiking up hill is difficult from a respiratory perspective, but stream boulder hopping is potentially a LOT more difficult.

[@RH117]

The lathing and bracing was used to shore up unsound material such as serpentinite and shist (seismically formed shale) which can form along faults. One way to tell is if your voice echoes and harmonizes then the rock is strong and stable whereas if your voice is absorbed, muffled and and you hear bassy tones then the rock is weak and not load bearing and is typically flaky or porous and finally layered.

[@Panicthescaredycat]

Add more tiers on patreon.. Actually really like you guys.. The kind of adventure life I wish I had!

[@tattooyu]

As a teen in the early '90s, my friends and I were trying to hike to the Bridge to Nowhere. THIS is where we actually ended up. Tunnels were creepy as heck. There was a noose hanging from one of them. We were able to hike past the tunnels quite a ways, but eventually became impassable.

[@dvsmike]

Shoemaker rd is also nicknamed Road to Nowhere. It was supposed to continue the idea behind the bridge to Nowhere road.

[@Nikali90]

Y’all are an awesome couple.

[@vinceg4532]

was there really just a tarantula cameo in this video? you guys are so brave. love it!

[@oliviag6531]

I live in Azusa and had no clue about these😂 we are definitely going there since it's right here

[@maryjanespal420]

just moved from there and had NO IDEA!

[@ceceosborn176]

Very informative, thank you. You need a couple of large flashlights for these kind of explorations. You can get them at Harbor Freight, fir reasonable price

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thanks for watching! We do own a couple big flashlights but only one would fit into the bag with the other equipment we had to take for this one. Which certainly made it more interesting walking back in the dark haha...

[@charlessmith6412]

I can't imagine how you find all of these things to explore. You must do a lot of research. Maybe you could do an episode on how you do it.

[@dozer1642]

😍Bethany😍

[@tristanarwenaiden]

Actually there are 3 tunnels. The 3rd one is almost impossible to reach. I helped with the tile Love sign in the first tunnel. We use to have drumming cycles every time change. After about maybe 28 years they stopped happening. Very fun times in there. Also I believe the have spirits in them at least the first one. I have witnessed strange things in them. But nothing bad for me but people I went with they would run out. But that's another story.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

The hills look more like quarry digs, not the prettiest site in California, but at least there are the gorgeous bushes and other desert plants. That's the best type of garden for the thirsty state.

[@damirkelley3484]

When I first clicked on one of your videos, I thought you guys would have over a million subscribers..

[@lex3729]

Yeah, do the hidden Train tunnel in Providence, RI.

[@michaelkane5337]

At 3:59 I see 1920-30 vehicles but I’m guessing the prison road labor system had outdated stuff . Love your videos

[@tranquilmoodsrelaxation8695]

Another great video. Do you use a drone for the air shots?

[@OddityOdysseys]

We do! We've posted a link to the equipment we use in the descriptions just in case anyone in interested in getting one themselves. :)

I would assume the exposed ceiling is solid rock and doesn't need to be supported since it's not going to fall... I'm beginning to see a common thread in Ca, 50 yrs from now you'll be exploring the ruins of the high speed train to know where...

[@TheShornak]

About 15 years ago I went on this same hike with my kids and a couple friends. Unfortunately just past the second tunnel We saw that we had ticks on us. We immediately left.

[@yehman71]

Man. Sucks big time. My kids and I had the same thing happen while hiking above San Dimas Canyon Park a few years back. Ticks everywhere. Nightmare. 😳

[@landofnopity1489]

Hey Guys! About how long was the hike before getting to tunnel #1?

[@johnmorgan1629]

Saw ATW walk up there, he struggled a bit more though.

[@masonanders7805]

The reason why the tunnels were finished but look like parts of the ceilings were missing is because of scrappers

[@kelsey809]

😊👍🏼

[@oscarmolinaoutdooradventur1648]

👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️

[@elduggo9573]

How many miles is it round trip?

[@maryjanespal420]

holy crap! no way this is by where i used to live and didnt even know it...

[@peterguindo1576]

I’m wondering have this videos here in New York State.

[@senatorkennedy3450]

Milo !!!

[@roberthicks1612]

I suspect what happen is that during the construction of the second, money ran out. Since it would have gone all the way through immediately, they would not have started the road beyond it. Because it was halted mid construction, the walls were never finished.

[@crashweaverda]

Looks like a good place to take the kids and there mountain bikes.

[@SymeonPhronema]

Strange thing is the picture at 4:00 was taken long before the late 50's or early 60s I'd think. Every car there was made in the 1930s.

[@johnuthus]

The reason some places don’t have a “ceiling” is because the rock is strong enough to not fall.